New Mexico State University's Sustainable Agriculture Science Center began testing two dozen Chinese varieties in spring 2004, such as Chinese vetch, angelica sinensis, Chinese wolfberry, Chinese licorice and the ginseng substitute Dang Shen. The research is part of a national project to test Chinese herb production in varying climates around the country and to create business networks that help growers and retailers sell directly to Oriental medicine practitioners.

Workshop presenters will discuss growing techniques and herb varieties, solar herb drying, judging herb quality by taste and smell, retail networks in states such as West Virginia and California, and marketing opportunities in New Mexico.

The workshop runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Santa Fe County Fairgrounds at 3229 Rodeo Road. For more information, or if you are an individual with a disability in need of an auxiliary aid or service to participate, call Charles Martin at (505) 852-4241 or Patrick Torres at (505) 471-4711.